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Drowned Empire #5
Traitor of the Drowned Empire
After the devastating events of the arena, Lyriana Batavia is trying to live in a world where her soulmate, Rhyan Hart, has become a soulless akadim. The Empire has named Lyr a forsworn traitor, and every soldier in Lumeria has been ordered to hunt her down. With her friends and family scattered across the Empire, Lyr is more alone than she’s ever been, with the exception of one shocking ally; Auriel, Rhyan’s former incarnation, who has mysteriously appeared. And he is determined to help Lyr, whether she likes it or not.
The new Emperor Avery Kormac is hungrier than ever to impose his power over Lumeria, especially after the escape of his precious chayatim, including the powerful Julianna Batavia. His cruel and unrelenting agenda vows to locate every single vorakh through mandatory testing for all citizens. Lord Tristan Grey is named the leader of this new initiative, and finds himself hunting his own kind while keeping his newfound powers hidden. Meanwhile, Morgana and Aemon, the reincarnation of Moriel, are amassing the force of their akadim army to hunt a secret weapon. And the key to their plans of destruction may very well be Rhyan in his demonic form.
Lyr must decode the mystery of why Auriel has returned in order for them both to survive. But the closer they get, the more danger they face as a secret that’s been locked away for centuries is revealed. A secret that will alter the fate of the Empire forever.
The new Emperor Avery Kormac is hungrier than ever to impose his power over Lumeria, especially after the escape of his precious chayatim, including the powerful Julianna Batavia. His cruel and unrelenting agenda vows to locate every single vorakh through mandatory testing for all citizens. Lord Tristan Grey is named the leader of this new initiative, and finds himself hunting his own kind while keeping his newfound powers hidden. Meanwhile, Morgana and Aemon, the reincarnation of Moriel, are amassing the force of their akadim army to hunt a secret weapon. And the key to their plans of destruction may very well be Rhyan in his demonic form.
Lyr must decode the mystery of why Auriel has returned in order for them both to survive. But the closer they get, the more danger they face as a secret that’s been locked away for centuries is revealed. A secret that will alter the fate of the Empire forever.
743 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 1, 2026
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629 people want to read
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November 27, 2025
“𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘯𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘻𝘦. 𝘯𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦.”
with traitor of the drowned empire we are thrown right back into the middle of the insanity, heartbreak and absolute grief that was the end of warrior of the drowned empire. the emotional rollercoaster starts right on page one and is running full steam ahead for the entirety of the book. the action, the lies and political intrigue don’t stop, not even for a moment. there’s no chance to be bored, no chance for your thoughts to wander because there is truly so much at stake for the entirety of the book.
i think i’ve said this with every single book of frankies that i’ve read but god, she’s done it again. another five star book. just when you think relationships couldn’t get deeper, more protective while fighting for one another even harder than ever before, frankie shows you that they can.
“𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦, 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
something i have absolutely adore about frankies writing is her ability to have multiple povs with characters in different locations throughout the universe and have it feel so seamless. i think her choice to slowly add more povs with each book really helped with this because she always leaves you wanting to know more and more about the characters she introduces. seriously i need more meera, aiden, jules and dario (heavy on the last two)
i feel like every single character in this book, even the minor ones showed so much growth from when they were first introduced. i have come to care for, and be invested in every single one no matter the size of their role.
the day this series ends is going to be losing a piece of my heart. 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄.
————————
𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ⋆˚࿔
dropping off the face of the earth to read my most anticipated arc of the year. 🤭
with traitor of the drowned empire we are thrown right back into the middle of the insanity, heartbreak and absolute grief that was the end of warrior of the drowned empire. the emotional rollercoaster starts right on page one and is running full steam ahead for the entirety of the book. the action, the lies and political intrigue don’t stop, not even for a moment. there’s no chance to be bored, no chance for your thoughts to wander because there is truly so much at stake for the entirety of the book.
i think i’ve said this with every single book of frankies that i’ve read but god, she’s done it again. another five star book. just when you think relationships couldn’t get deeper, more protective while fighting for one another even harder than ever before, frankie shows you that they can.
“𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦, 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
something i have absolutely adore about frankies writing is her ability to have multiple povs with characters in different locations throughout the universe and have it feel so seamless. i think her choice to slowly add more povs with each book really helped with this because she always leaves you wanting to know more and more about the characters she introduces. seriously i need more meera, aiden, jules and dario (heavy on the last two)
i feel like every single character in this book, even the minor ones showed so much growth from when they were first introduced. i have come to care for, and be invested in every single one no matter the size of their role.
the day this series ends is going to be losing a piece of my heart. 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄.
————————
𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ⋆˚࿔
dropping off the face of the earth to read my most anticipated arc of the year. 🤭
December 18, 2025
3.5 Akadim Stars ⭐️
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
HOLD ON CAUSE IT'S GONNA BE A BUMPY RIDE!!!
I am one of this series’ biggest fans. I mean that in the most unhinged way possible. I used to live, breathe, eat, sleep, and talk nonstop about the Drowned Empire. This world has had me in a chokehold for years. But after the last book, which was a little bit touch-and-go, I went into this one with a constant niggling apprehension in the back of my mind that it would be the same as Warrior... AND unfortunately, that apprehension was justified.
About 70% of this book frustrated me, and the frustrating part is that everything I was annoyed by in Warrior of the Drowned Empire felt amplified here. The final 30% absolutely felt like the Drowned Empire I love, and that part of the book is a MASSIVE 5 Stars, but this is a 700-page book, and by the time you get there, you have already read over 500 pages of content that often felt slow, repetitive, and padded unnecessarily and was going nowhere slowly. It almost feels like with Warrior and Traitor that we have been given two sequential "filler books" that suffer drastically from middle book syndrome, where almost everything of real consequence happens right at the end.
The first thing that REALLY frustrated me is that this book increasingly feels YA. Now don't get me wrong... not in the content but for the most part, that 70% feels like a group of teenagers trying to save the world while everyone is against them, and that is a dynamic I no longer enjoy reading about. It feels too chosen one and cliché... On top of that, it feels like Lyriana has not grown at all. In fact, she has regressed. She is stubborn, temperamental, refuses to listen to anyone, and will not work as part of a team with Auriel when all he is trying to do is help her! She constantly jumps into battle without thought, and she was so annoying at times that I was actively dreading her POVs. If she was not moping about Rhyan or being sad about losing Rhyan, she was being a bitch, and that made it really hard to stay emotionally connected to her. NOW I fully sympathise with what she's gone through, but he grief clouded her judgement and made her unlikable... and if that was the point THEN IT SUCCEEDED!
Another issue is that the villains have started to feel one-dimensional. Every bad guy acts the same, speaks the same, and makes the same threats. Their defining characteristic is rape culture, and that is it. There is no variation, no individuality, no depth. It has started to feel patterned and lazy, and when every villain blends into the same voice and actions... And yet killing people is somehow treated as fine like just the number of people Lyriana kills in this book is staggering...
Then we have the pacing... also suffers badly for most of the book. Outside of the final stretch (Which I still stand by IS PERFECTION), the plot barely moves. It DRAGSSSS and it becomes exhausting to stay invested when it feels like nothing meaningful is happening for hundreds of pages.
That said, I am not done with this series. I still love this world. I still love these characters (YES, EVEN MORGANA). And the final portion of the book reminded me exactly why I fell so hard for the Drowned Empire in the first place. But just know this instalment was heavy, emotionally draining, and slow...
NOW.... ⚠️ SPOILER WARNING ⚠️
These are unanswered questions and aspects of the plot that made no sense to me. If you have not read the book, stop here. You know enough at this point to decide if this is for you. This section is for those who have read the book and want to vent with me.
A lot of these things felt like decisions made for convenience and then forgotten as the plot moved on
I am still invested. I am still going to read whatever Frankie writes next in this series. But this book took it out of me. It dragged, it frustrated me. I just wish it had been tighter and cleaner, because the world and its story are still something truly special.
Thank you to Frankie D Mallis for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
HOLD ON CAUSE IT'S GONNA BE A BUMPY RIDE!!!
I am one of this series’ biggest fans. I mean that in the most unhinged way possible. I used to live, breathe, eat, sleep, and talk nonstop about the Drowned Empire. This world has had me in a chokehold for years. But after the last book, which was a little bit touch-and-go, I went into this one with a constant niggling apprehension in the back of my mind that it would be the same as Warrior... AND unfortunately, that apprehension was justified.
“I do claim you, Lyr. Lyriana. You were always mine. Mine since before the dawn of time... And I’m going to remind you of that, remind you that I belong to you, and you belong to me and only me, with every thrust. Every touch, every kiss, every time you come for the rest of your life. I’m going to make sure you know it’s me. I’m going to make you say it.”𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
“I’m yours,” I gasped.
“I’m yours.”
About 70% of this book frustrated me, and the frustrating part is that everything I was annoyed by in Warrior of the Drowned Empire felt amplified here. The final 30% absolutely felt like the Drowned Empire I love, and that part of the book is a MASSIVE 5 Stars, but this is a 700-page book, and by the time you get there, you have already read over 500 pages of content that often felt slow, repetitive, and padded unnecessarily and was going nowhere slowly. It almost feels like with Warrior and Traitor that we have been given two sequential "filler books" that suffer drastically from middle book syndrome, where almost everything of real consequence happens right at the end.
The first thing that REALLY frustrated me is that this book increasingly feels YA. Now don't get me wrong... not in the content but for the most part, that 70% feels like a group of teenagers trying to save the world while everyone is against them, and that is a dynamic I no longer enjoy reading about. It feels too chosen one and cliché... On top of that, it feels like Lyriana has not grown at all. In fact, she has regressed. She is stubborn, temperamental, refuses to listen to anyone, and will not work as part of a team with Auriel when all he is trying to do is help her! She constantly jumps into battle without thought, and she was so annoying at times that I was actively dreading her POVs. If she was not moping about Rhyan or being sad about losing Rhyan, she was being a bitch, and that made it really hard to stay emotionally connected to her. NOW I fully sympathise with what she's gone through, but he grief clouded her judgement and made her unlikable... and if that was the point THEN IT SUCCEEDED!
Another issue is that the villains have started to feel one-dimensional. Every bad guy acts the same, speaks the same, and makes the same threats. Their defining characteristic is rape culture, and that is it. There is no variation, no individuality, no depth. It has started to feel patterned and lazy, and when every villain blends into the same voice and actions... And yet killing people is somehow treated as fine like just the number of people Lyriana kills in this book is staggering...
Then we have the pacing... also suffers badly for most of the book. Outside of the final stretch (Which I still stand by IS PERFECTION), the plot barely moves. It DRAGSSSS and it becomes exhausting to stay invested when it feels like nothing meaningful is happening for hundreds of pages.
That said, I am not done with this series. I still love this world. I still love these characters (YES, EVEN MORGANA). And the final portion of the book reminded me exactly why I fell so hard for the Drowned Empire in the first place. But just know this instalment was heavy, emotionally draining, and slow...
NOW.... ⚠️ SPOILER WARNING ⚠️
These are unanswered questions and aspects of the plot that made no sense to me. If you have not read the book, stop here. You know enough at this point to decide if this is for you. This section is for those who have read the book and want to vent with me.
A lot of these things felt like decisions made for convenience and then forgotten as the plot moved on
I am still invested. I am still going to read whatever Frankie writes next in this series. But this book took it out of me. It dragged, it frustrated me. I just wish it had been tighter and cleaner, because the world and its story are still something truly special.
Thank you to Frankie D Mallis for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own
December 21, 2025
This review was hard. 3.5 stars rounded up for the sake of most of the series deserving it. I enjoyed the last 20% of the book because it returned in tone to the first five books of the series but the rest of it…was harder to enjoy. Warrior and Traitor are so different in tone and pacing from the first five. Everything is so dark and depressing and lost the balance with hope and perseverance that Daughter through Son provided. I understand the middle of a big series often needs circumstances to hit rock bottom before it goes back up but these two books leaned into that SO hard. Too hard in my opinion. It works in other series by still having balance with progress in some areas, hope in some characters, breaks in the misery, and that was missing in the last two books. The amount of allusions to rape, threats of rape, and memories of rape, as well as plenty of on page sexual assault, was just too much. I don’t really have triggers but this is not what I want to read about and this kind of problem was only hinted in the first books or at least handled more delicately. I kept finding myself thinking “enough already”, like I wanted to reach out to Frankie and ask if she is okay! Will there need to be a mass genocide of Kormacs and Korterians since apparently every single one of them is or wants to be a rapist? I personally hated the Rhyan-turns-akadim storyline (hasn’t our man suffered enough already?!) but could get more on board if everything else was still consistent with the tone of the previous books. So I’m glad that’s done with. It felt like Lyriana acted very out of character in both Warrior and multiple times in Traitor, as did Rhyan when he first returned to himself. Lyriana is so easily tricked, a damsel in distress constantly, and how many times does she drop her swords while fighting? Ultimately, we didn’t need this level of depravity to understand how the bad guys are evil, or this level of hopelessness to understand the situation is dire, but I digress.
The end seemed to get back on track and FINALLY there is some forward progress in the journey to overcome some of the evil overlords. I still love this series, the characters, and the world and I’m hoping we’re past the oppressing doom and gloom enough to see the storyline progress in the same tone as the majority of the series!
The end seemed to get back on track and FINALLY there is some forward progress in the journey to overcome some of the evil overlords. I still love this series, the characters, and the world and I’m hoping we’re past the oppressing doom and gloom enough to see the storyline progress in the same tone as the majority of the series!
November 21, 2025
No one evokes emotion with their writing like Frankie does. Lyr’s grief. Jules’s distrust and fear. And even Tristan’s pain. I felt everything they were feeling. Everything. And I cried with them. Frankie delivers another emotional gut punch with Traitor. And in her defense- she did warn us.
I simultaneously could not put this one down and actively tried to slow my pace because I never wanted it to end. I think one of my absolutely favorite things about this series is how Frankie writes her male characters. They feel deeply. They allow themselves to be vulnerable. They have emotions. And they show them.
I loved how we got to continue to explore different POVs in this book. Especially the development of the roles of Jules and Dario, and how each storyline feeds into the main plot. I felt so much giddiness with the arrival of certain characters in this book. Some were new, some we haven’t seen in a while, and some I just adore each time we get to spend time with them again (looking at you, Uncle Sean).
This book took us through pain, anger, hurt, grief, revenge, happiness, relief, and hope. Something I have been suspicious of and hopeful for is revealed in this book. And to say I am excited for the next installment is a huge understatement. The game is truly just getting started!
As always, I am beyond thankful to be a part of Frankie’s ARC team 💛 When the time comes to have to say goodbye to these characters for good it’s going to hurt like hell. And I fully plan to live in denial when that happens.
I simultaneously could not put this one down and actively tried to slow my pace because I never wanted it to end. I think one of my absolutely favorite things about this series is how Frankie writes her male characters. They feel deeply. They allow themselves to be vulnerable. They have emotions. And they show them.
I loved how we got to continue to explore different POVs in this book. Especially the development of the roles of Jules and Dario, and how each storyline feeds into the main plot. I felt so much giddiness with the arrival of certain characters in this book. Some were new, some we haven’t seen in a while, and some I just adore each time we get to spend time with them again (looking at you, Uncle Sean).
This book took us through pain, anger, hurt, grief, revenge, happiness, relief, and hope. Something I have been suspicious of and hopeful for is revealed in this book. And to say I am excited for the next installment is a huge understatement. The game is truly just getting started!
As always, I am beyond thankful to be a part of Frankie’s ARC team 💛 When the time comes to have to say goodbye to these characters for good it’s going to hurt like hell. And I fully plan to live in denial when that happens.
November 20, 2025
ARC Team Review 🌊🏛️🔥
First and foremost, Frankie, I truly appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the ARC Team for Traitor of the Drowned Empire. This series sat on my TBR shelf for a few months while I worked up the courage to tackle an uncompleted series with 6 books already published, and a few more in the pipeline. I made the decision to dive headfirst into the Drowned Empire (pun definitely intended) in July and it consumed my life for the next 4 weeks. I devoured each novel, obsessing with the puzzle pieces that came together in the subsequent books. Frankie has a brilliant way of dropping little easter eggs throughout the series that make you internally fan girl scream when the chips finally fall into place. The Drowned Empire has a few companion novels that are equally as impressive and engaging as the main series. In these parallel narratives, we’re introduced to key characters and foundational events. In fact, I would say that they are critical must-reads for the audience to comprehend the storyline entirely.
Now, let’s talk about the Traitor of the Drowned Empire. The story picks up where we left off in Warrior of the Drowned Empire and we’re thrown right back into heartbreak and chaos. There is never a dull moment, and each chapter kept me turning the page, heart pounding & on the edge of my seat – waiting to see what would happen next. Some twists made me grin, while others were utterly jaw dropping. Like the previous novels, we hear from a variety of character perspectives. These different viewpoints help connect the multiple storylines, weaving together the subplots that make the Drowned Empire series so addicting.
To put it simply – there is a lot going on in Traitor of the Drowned Empire. There are some major discoveries and events that occur that we’ve been waiting on for quite a few books. However, my favorite aspect of the novel has to be the development and redemption of some of our minor characters. Nothing makes me obsess over a series more than when I can become invested in the supporting characters and their lives. Frankie continues to deliver this time and time again.
Bravo, Frankie! Yet another 5-star book added to the series & I cannot wait to see how the story continues.
First and foremost, Frankie, I truly appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the ARC Team for Traitor of the Drowned Empire. This series sat on my TBR shelf for a few months while I worked up the courage to tackle an uncompleted series with 6 books already published, and a few more in the pipeline. I made the decision to dive headfirst into the Drowned Empire (pun definitely intended) in July and it consumed my life for the next 4 weeks. I devoured each novel, obsessing with the puzzle pieces that came together in the subsequent books. Frankie has a brilliant way of dropping little easter eggs throughout the series that make you internally fan girl scream when the chips finally fall into place. The Drowned Empire has a few companion novels that are equally as impressive and engaging as the main series. In these parallel narratives, we’re introduced to key characters and foundational events. In fact, I would say that they are critical must-reads for the audience to comprehend the storyline entirely.
Now, let’s talk about the Traitor of the Drowned Empire. The story picks up where we left off in Warrior of the Drowned Empire and we’re thrown right back into heartbreak and chaos. There is never a dull moment, and each chapter kept me turning the page, heart pounding & on the edge of my seat – waiting to see what would happen next. Some twists made me grin, while others were utterly jaw dropping. Like the previous novels, we hear from a variety of character perspectives. These different viewpoints help connect the multiple storylines, weaving together the subplots that make the Drowned Empire series so addicting.
To put it simply – there is a lot going on in Traitor of the Drowned Empire. There are some major discoveries and events that occur that we’ve been waiting on for quite a few books. However, my favorite aspect of the novel has to be the development and redemption of some of our minor characters. Nothing makes me obsess over a series more than when I can become invested in the supporting characters and their lives. Frankie continues to deliver this time and time again.
Bravo, Frankie! Yet another 5-star book added to the series & I cannot wait to see how the story continues.
December 16, 2025
auriel 🫰🏻
nope
November 26, 2025DNF @ 20%
This one hurts so bad!! And I’m not sure if this is a “me” thing or just the wrong book for my current headspace, but I’m setting Traitor of the Drowned Empire aside for now. I might come back to it later, but right now I’m finding myself annoyed instead of interested, which is never a good sign when I’m trying to enjoy a series I’ve absolutely loved.
My biggest frustration is the repetition and pacing. I’m 20% in and it feels like nothing has actually moved forward…same conflicts, same repetitive conversations (with repetitive text), same emotional loops. And while the misandry isn’t as heavy handed as it was in the previous book, it’s still here, and at this point it just feels unnecessary. Enough with the r*pe.
Which leads me to my other annoyance, the portrayal of assault trauma…every character responds the same way, with identical panic whenever someone touches them. It doesn’t feel real or nuanced, and it ends up coming off as a repeated character device instead of something handled with care and individualized.
Add in a few convenient plot turns and some things that don’t seem to line up with earlier world-building, especially around the magic system…that just seemed dropped in to move the plot in a certain direction. I just couldn’t get past the frustration long enough to settle in.
This used to be one of my absolute favorite series. The first three books were so strong. These past two have been such a struggle that I’m genuinely bummed about it. It just doesn’t feel like the same tight, compelling storytelling the series started with.
Thank you to Frankie Diane Mallis for the eARC. I’m stepping away for now and hoping I can come back to it later with a clearer head and a little more patience to enjoy the ride and be excited for the next book.
This one hurts so bad!! And I’m not sure if this is a “me” thing or just the wrong book for my current headspace, but I’m setting Traitor of the Drowned Empire aside for now. I might come back to it later, but right now I’m finding myself annoyed instead of interested, which is never a good sign when I’m trying to enjoy a series I’ve absolutely loved.
My biggest frustration is the repetition and pacing. I’m 20% in and it feels like nothing has actually moved forward…same conflicts, same repetitive conversations (with repetitive text), same emotional loops. And while the misandry isn’t as heavy handed as it was in the previous book, it’s still here, and at this point it just feels unnecessary. Enough with the r*pe.
Which leads me to my other annoyance, the portrayal of assault trauma…every character responds the same way, with identical panic whenever someone touches them. It doesn’t feel real or nuanced, and it ends up coming off as a repeated character device instead of something handled with care and individualized.
Add in a few convenient plot turns and some things that don’t seem to line up with earlier world-building, especially around the magic system…that just seemed dropped in to move the plot in a certain direction. I just couldn’t get past the frustration long enough to settle in.
This used to be one of my absolute favorite series. The first three books were so strong. These past two have been such a struggle that I’m genuinely bummed about it. It just doesn’t feel like the same tight, compelling storytelling the series started with.
Thank you to Frankie Diane Mallis for the eARC. I’m stepping away for now and hoping I can come back to it later with a clearer head and a little more patience to enjoy the ride and be excited for the next book.
December 3, 2025
Having left off on a horrific cliffhanger in Warrior of the Drowned Empire, this book comes out swinging. The action and tension are immediate with twists and turns that frequently had my heart in my throat and the emotional trauma is high from the beginning. This series has been a love hate thing for me because Frankie does not hold back, no character is safe, and the depths with which she can write a formidable villain sparks an anger in my heart that burns through every page. That grows with this book and I can’t wait to see how all of these malevolent authorities are finally taken down. The world building continues to expand and I loved getting to know so much more about additional cultures, landscapes and histories while meeting new magical creatures. Helllllo water dragons and chimeras!
That said, I had to take a break about half way through for a bunch of reasons, after which I had a hard time getting back into it and that makes this review really hard to write. I do love this series, though after what I say next that might be hard to believe. I was so frustrated by Lyr that I wanted to throw my tablet across the room. Can our leading lady get better at self preservation, thinking before she acts, and learn some negotiation skills? This idiot fights against her own self interest by not asking questions, assuming the first offer is the best she can get, and taking everything on as though she doesn’t need any help or input from her family and allies. Lyr doesn’t seem to have any forethought; she’s devoid of a plan and she’s willing to fight against her inner circle almost much as her enemies. I was very forgiving of a lot of that behavior previously in the series, but we are more than half way through now and it’s time for her to have learned some lessons about how to navigate treachery, trust/work with her inner circle, and think on her feet to be more than just a reactionary flailer.
Then we have the really aggressive focus on the rape culture amongst our villainous leaders and their lackeys. It really ramped up in this book and it got to be exhausting. I’ve been reading a lot of dark fantasy lately so maybe I’m just close to my limit already, but it felt like this book really beat us over the head with it every chance it got without adding anything to the story. I already hate the people I’m supposed to hate, I didn’t need to have their disgusting behavior reiterated every time someone even thought of them.
On top of that, it felt like there was a lot of thoroughly unnecessary recounting of facts and events, especially when switching POV’s. This has also been present throughout the series, but after Son I thought we had grown out of that a bit and it feels like regression towards the constant reiteration in Daughter that had driven me crazy on my reread when gearing up for Guardian. If the readers have made it to book five, trust them to be able to keep up, please.
I still love the story and I think there is complexity to the world that holds a lot of intrigue. I still desperately want to know what happens to all of our primary characters and I’m still going to continue the series, but I am frustrated by this one and I think it needed more time in editing to take care of the aforementioned issues.
I know the publishing schedule for these books is aggressive, but I really hope that the publishers recognize that giving a little more time for development and editing could deeply benefit the books overall. They need it and they deserve it.
Thank you for the ARC Frankie. I’m sorry this one wasn’t my favorite, but after that ending I believe in the next one brining me back with a vengeance.
That said, I had to take a break about half way through for a bunch of reasons, after which I had a hard time getting back into it and that makes this review really hard to write. I do love this series, though after what I say next that might be hard to believe. I was so frustrated by Lyr that I wanted to throw my tablet across the room. Can our leading lady get better at self preservation, thinking before she acts, and learn some negotiation skills? This idiot fights against her own self interest by not asking questions, assuming the first offer is the best she can get, and taking everything on as though she doesn’t need any help or input from her family and allies. Lyr doesn’t seem to have any forethought; she’s devoid of a plan and she’s willing to fight against her inner circle almost much as her enemies. I was very forgiving of a lot of that behavior previously in the series, but we are more than half way through now and it’s time for her to have learned some lessons about how to navigate treachery, trust/work with her inner circle, and think on her feet to be more than just a reactionary flailer.
Then we have the really aggressive focus on the rape culture amongst our villainous leaders and their lackeys. It really ramped up in this book and it got to be exhausting. I’ve been reading a lot of dark fantasy lately so maybe I’m just close to my limit already, but it felt like this book really beat us over the head with it every chance it got without adding anything to the story. I already hate the people I’m supposed to hate, I didn’t need to have their disgusting behavior reiterated every time someone even thought of them.
On top of that, it felt like there was a lot of thoroughly unnecessary recounting of facts and events, especially when switching POV’s. This has also been present throughout the series, but after Son I thought we had grown out of that a bit and it feels like regression towards the constant reiteration in Daughter that had driven me crazy on my reread when gearing up for Guardian. If the readers have made it to book five, trust them to be able to keep up, please.
I still love the story and I think there is complexity to the world that holds a lot of intrigue. I still desperately want to know what happens to all of our primary characters and I’m still going to continue the series, but I am frustrated by this one and I think it needed more time in editing to take care of the aforementioned issues.
I know the publishing schedule for these books is aggressive, but I really hope that the publishers recognize that giving a little more time for development and editing could deeply benefit the books overall. They need it and they deserve it.
Thank you for the ARC Frankie. I’m sorry this one wasn’t my favorite, but after that ending I believe in the next one brining me back with a vengeance.
December 8, 2025
How does she keep releasing amazing books?! I keep waiting for the shoe to drop but the series is top tier, no, god tier!! It’s so easy to jump back into. The plot and character development is deep and heartfelt and yet fun and interesting. Frankie explores often the worst case scenario in a fantasy world and then somehow makes the resolution believable. We’re 6 books in and it has been such a natural progression. Usually by this point I’m done and ready for the series to wrap up but it reminds me of throne of glass in how every book is intentional and slowly sets up an amazing story. Bring on Queen of the Drowned Empire!!
November 27, 2025
Thank you to the author for this ARC!
I did not love this one to be honest, but I’m excited to see where the rest of the series goes, especially with that ending!
I did not love this one to be honest, but I’m excited to see where the rest of the series goes, especially with that ending!
November 23, 2025
*ARC Review, Possible Spoilers!*
What can I say… FRANKIE YOU MAD GENIUS!! This book has so many twists and turns. Made me laugh, cry, internally scream, and everything else. What I was expecting to happen didn’t happen, what happened I never would have guessed it. I really enjoyed how vulnerable Rhyan was in the later part of the book. It’s nice to see that even though he is this brave warrior he still has emotions. We don’t see that very often in MMCs and I’m so glad his character was the way he was. There is so much I could say about Traitor but all in all it was a great book and I can’t wait for QUEEN! Thank you so much for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this novel and I cannot wait to see where the story goes.
What can I say… FRANKIE YOU MAD GENIUS!! This book has so many twists and turns. Made me laugh, cry, internally scream, and everything else. What I was expecting to happen didn’t happen, what happened I never would have guessed it. I really enjoyed how vulnerable Rhyan was in the later part of the book. It’s nice to see that even though he is this brave warrior he still has emotions. We don’t see that very often in MMCs and I’m so glad his character was the way he was. There is so much I could say about Traitor but all in all it was a great book and I can’t wait for QUEEN! Thank you so much for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this novel and I cannot wait to see where the story goes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2025
I received an eARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
- 🙌 Thorough review of the series at the beginning
- Multiple POV
- 😭 Grief
- 🔪 Violent & devastating
- Very dark 👿
- Spicey 🌶️
- Rhyan has a dirty mouth 🤭
- 😘Redemption
- Justice👩⚖️
- 🪴Growth & finding each other
This was the book we needed 😭 After the last book, we needed something to keep us going and this book provides!
Several SPOILERS below.
First, there are so many people that get their redemption in this book and I was all for it. That ending with Morgana.... YES. She was written as such an awful, power hungry, jerk, to have that ending was shocking and wonderful. Then, Tristan and his betrothed (Lyr's cousin). They are both self-centered, rigid, and unking people this whole series. Even when they become engaged, they are rude to each other. Then, this book comes along and so much happens. We learn more about who she truly is and Tristan grows substantially. This all leads to them growing together. Additionally, I thought Lyr was AWFUL in the last book. She was manipulative, abusive, and incredibly self-centered, not caring who got hurt as they got in line with her plan. Lyr also grew substantially in this book and redeemed herself.
Let's talk about the details. Frankie goes big this book, both in description, action, and plot. She dives deep in describing grief, ruthlessness, growth, death, panic and anxiety, remorse, fear, love, connection, desperation, and so much more. There are twists and turns that add more to the story and keep the plot moving forward. Around 85% I was so shocked! I was then shocked again at the end, well done Frankie!! The pacing is fast and stays fast most of the book. I just kept reading and reading because I was so anxious to find out what was going to happen next. Frankie does a great job keeping you on edge and your heart pounding. We also get A TON OF JUSTICE THIS BOOK! We NEEDED THIS after what Frankie has done to us this whole series....
Now, let's talk about bonding and love. The soul bonded mates and "I will find you anywhere" is why I keep reading this series. It's beautiful, devastating, and so real. Lyr goes big in this book and we get what we needed from her (saving Rhyan). I found the addition of an alternative Rhyan interesting and helpful to the story, I liked that component! Then, Lyr had so much compassion and empathy for Rhyan. How she navigated life with him while he emotionally struggled after becoming human again was something we all need to take note of and remember in real life. Early to mid book the relationship between Jules and Dario grows and is truly special. Two trauma survivors finding each other and slowly building trust. I am excited to see how they grow in the next book. And again, the growing connection between Tristan and his betrothed was not something I saw coming, but I am excited about. With Tristan's growth, he deserves someone to love and love him back.
Critique: This has been something I found overdone in all books and, so, I am not surprised continued in this book. What I find overdone is that everyone, all the time blames themselves for everything. No one seems to have insight that not everything is their fault. This then leads to guilt for everyone, constantly, about everything. This seems to be a consistent thing for all main characters, and even side characters, which is odd since we all experience guilt in a different way and don't always think everything is always our fault, but again everyone does this in this series.
In regards to Lyr, as I mentioned in my last review and this one, Lyr really lost herself in the last book due to desperation, and I was not a fan. So, when this book starts, it starts with her blaming herself for Rhyan. I initially thought, "of course she does" because, as noted, everyone blames themselves for everything. Therefore, at least her character is consistent. As we readers know, Rhyan's death was not her fault, Rhyan's father caused that. Yet, I'm glad Lyr realized what role she played in the preceding events. In the last book, Lyr manipulated Rhyan into doing things he didn't want to do, all of which led him to being near his father. Again, not her fault that he was killed by his father, but she did play a major role in the preceding events. Therefore, I was glad to see her reflect and understand how her behavior impacted others. This part was something I liked in this book.
Overall, an excellent read and I look forward to the next book!
- 🙌 Thorough review of the series at the beginning
- Multiple POV
- 😭 Grief
- 🔪 Violent & devastating
- Very dark 👿
- Spicey 🌶️
- Rhyan has a dirty mouth 🤭
- 😘Redemption
- Justice👩⚖️
- 🪴Growth & finding each other
This was the book we needed 😭 After the last book, we needed something to keep us going and this book provides!
Several SPOILERS below.
First, there are so many people that get their redemption in this book and I was all for it. That ending with Morgana.... YES. She was written as such an awful, power hungry, jerk, to have that ending was shocking and wonderful. Then, Tristan and his betrothed (Lyr's cousin). They are both self-centered, rigid, and unking people this whole series. Even when they become engaged, they are rude to each other. Then, this book comes along and so much happens. We learn more about who she truly is and Tristan grows substantially. This all leads to them growing together. Additionally, I thought Lyr was AWFUL in the last book. She was manipulative, abusive, and incredibly self-centered, not caring who got hurt as they got in line with her plan. Lyr also grew substantially in this book and redeemed herself.
Let's talk about the details. Frankie goes big this book, both in description, action, and plot. She dives deep in describing grief, ruthlessness, growth, death, panic and anxiety, remorse, fear, love, connection, desperation, and so much more. There are twists and turns that add more to the story and keep the plot moving forward. Around 85% I was so shocked! I was then shocked again at the end, well done Frankie!! The pacing is fast and stays fast most of the book. I just kept reading and reading because I was so anxious to find out what was going to happen next. Frankie does a great job keeping you on edge and your heart pounding. We also get A TON OF JUSTICE THIS BOOK! We NEEDED THIS after what Frankie has done to us this whole series....
Now, let's talk about bonding and love. The soul bonded mates and "I will find you anywhere" is why I keep reading this series. It's beautiful, devastating, and so real. Lyr goes big in this book and we get what we needed from her (saving Rhyan). I found the addition of an alternative Rhyan interesting and helpful to the story, I liked that component! Then, Lyr had so much compassion and empathy for Rhyan. How she navigated life with him while he emotionally struggled after becoming human again was something we all need to take note of and remember in real life. Early to mid book the relationship between Jules and Dario grows and is truly special. Two trauma survivors finding each other and slowly building trust. I am excited to see how they grow in the next book. And again, the growing connection between Tristan and his betrothed was not something I saw coming, but I am excited about. With Tristan's growth, he deserves someone to love and love him back.
Critique: This has been something I found overdone in all books and, so, I am not surprised continued in this book. What I find overdone is that everyone, all the time blames themselves for everything. No one seems to have insight that not everything is their fault. This then leads to guilt for everyone, constantly, about everything. This seems to be a consistent thing for all main characters, and even side characters, which is odd since we all experience guilt in a different way and don't always think everything is always our fault, but again everyone does this in this series.
In regards to Lyr, as I mentioned in my last review and this one, Lyr really lost herself in the last book due to desperation, and I was not a fan. So, when this book starts, it starts with her blaming herself for Rhyan. I initially thought, "of course she does" because, as noted, everyone blames themselves for everything. Therefore, at least her character is consistent. As we readers know, Rhyan's death was not her fault, Rhyan's father caused that. Yet, I'm glad Lyr realized what role she played in the preceding events. In the last book, Lyr manipulated Rhyan into doing things he didn't want to do, all of which led him to being near his father. Again, not her fault that he was killed by his father, but she did play a major role in the preceding events. Therefore, I was glad to see her reflect and understand how her behavior impacted others. This part was something I liked in this book.
Overall, an excellent read and I look forward to the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2025
A fucking masterpiece! No notes.
Summary
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ♾️/5
Spicy rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
It’s so hard to know how to describe how I feel about this series. But I am gonna try my hardest. This is handsdown my favourite romantasy series, probably my favourite ever book series of all time. It is genius it is incredible Frankie can do no wrong.
Now, I know you’re wondering… did it hurt as much as warrior? I’m not gonna lie to you it absolutely still hurt but no, I don’t feel like my heart was ripped out of my chest and I am very thankful to Frankie for giving me this reprieve. Because it was very much needed after that last book. And we finally get bad things happening to bad people!
We pick up straight after where we left off in Warrior and it is completely action packed the entire way through. I felt like I didn’t take a breath for such a long time reading this book. The political plot points were absolutely insane and my head was spinning. Not to mention some of the phenomenal plot twist that Frankie kept dropping it felt like I had whiplash. This book was so addictive and considering it’s over 700 pages I wished it was longer, I never wanted it to end.
We got to explore new parts of the world, new mythical creatures, new relationship dynamics and expanded on our growing found family. I loved getting a new POV and I fully believe that (redacted) is gonna absolutely steal the show in the next book. She has such a tremendous journey that she is going on of healing and learning to trust again and that’s just gonna be beautiful to read.
Frankie hands down writes the best men, she writes men that are consent kings and you will be swooning for every single one long after you have finished the chapters. She has the most fantastic way of manipulating your feelings and thoughts about certain characters. So there are characters that you thought you hated you go on to love and characters you thought you loved you end up hating.
Having reread the series recently seeing the sheer amount of foreshadowing that Frankie has been planting throughout all of the books and the novellas, I am honestly absolutely astounded by how her brain must work and the way she’s had this entire series and story plotted out for years.
This book truly was a masterpiece and this series should be one that goes down in history! Forget throne of glass. The drowned Empire series is 10 times better. If you take one recommendation from me, please let it be this series.
Summary
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ♾️/5
Spicy rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
It’s so hard to know how to describe how I feel about this series. But I am gonna try my hardest. This is handsdown my favourite romantasy series, probably my favourite ever book series of all time. It is genius it is incredible Frankie can do no wrong.
Now, I know you’re wondering… did it hurt as much as warrior? I’m not gonna lie to you it absolutely still hurt but no, I don’t feel like my heart was ripped out of my chest and I am very thankful to Frankie for giving me this reprieve. Because it was very much needed after that last book. And we finally get bad things happening to bad people!
We pick up straight after where we left off in Warrior and it is completely action packed the entire way through. I felt like I didn’t take a breath for such a long time reading this book. The political plot points were absolutely insane and my head was spinning. Not to mention some of the phenomenal plot twist that Frankie kept dropping it felt like I had whiplash. This book was so addictive and considering it’s over 700 pages I wished it was longer, I never wanted it to end.
We got to explore new parts of the world, new mythical creatures, new relationship dynamics and expanded on our growing found family. I loved getting a new POV and I fully believe that (redacted) is gonna absolutely steal the show in the next book. She has such a tremendous journey that she is going on of healing and learning to trust again and that’s just gonna be beautiful to read.
Frankie hands down writes the best men, she writes men that are consent kings and you will be swooning for every single one long after you have finished the chapters. She has the most fantastic way of manipulating your feelings and thoughts about certain characters. So there are characters that you thought you hated you go on to love and characters you thought you loved you end up hating.
Having reread the series recently seeing the sheer amount of foreshadowing that Frankie has been planting throughout all of the books and the novellas, I am honestly absolutely astounded by how her brain must work and the way she’s had this entire series and story plotted out for years.
This book truly was a masterpiece and this series should be one that goes down in history! Forget throne of glass. The drowned Empire series is 10 times better. If you take one recommendation from me, please let it be this series.
November 24, 2025
I was so graciously given an ARC by Frankie for review.
Maybe light spoilers going forward? You’ve been warned.
“Hello Lover” was diabolical 😭
Once again, this story hooked me immediately and I couldn’t put it down. Work and life got in the way of me figuring out what happens to Lyr, Rhyan, Auriel, and the rest of our beloved characters.
Frankie is so good at writing roller coasters you never want to get off. I laughed, I cried, and audibly gasped on more than one occasion. This book was no different. This book started to give me hope that things are actually going our heroines way? Maybe? I got to the last 100 pages and was just waiting for something to go wrong. I know they have a long way to go, but it’s so nice to see some things finally going their way 😭
As someone who is happily single, Lyr and Rhyan’s relationship makes me (delusional?) believe a love like that can exist. So thank you, Frankie, for setting the bar so high. No one deserves less.
I liked the multiple POVs, but I wanted more of Jules and Meera. I’m so curious how they spent a lot of their time away, and how certain relationships have developed 👀👀
And I begrudgingly want more of Tristan. BUT! We have more books coming so I’m sure we’ll get some answers.
I love this series so much, and I can’t wait to see what’s next 😭❤️
Maybe light spoilers going forward? You’ve been warned.
“Hello Lover” was diabolical 😭
Once again, this story hooked me immediately and I couldn’t put it down. Work and life got in the way of me figuring out what happens to Lyr, Rhyan, Auriel, and the rest of our beloved characters.
Frankie is so good at writing roller coasters you never want to get off. I laughed, I cried, and audibly gasped on more than one occasion. This book was no different. This book started to give me hope that things are actually going our heroines way? Maybe? I got to the last 100 pages and was just waiting for something to go wrong. I know they have a long way to go, but it’s so nice to see some things finally going their way 😭
As someone who is happily single, Lyr and Rhyan’s relationship makes me (delusional?) believe a love like that can exist. So thank you, Frankie, for setting the bar so high. No one deserves less.
I liked the multiple POVs, but I wanted more of Jules and Meera. I’m so curious how they spent a lot of their time away, and how certain relationships have developed 👀👀
And I begrudgingly want more of Tristan. BUT! We have more books coming so I’m sure we’ll get some answers.
I love this series so much, and I can’t wait to see what’s next 😭❤️
December 1, 2025
Thank you Frankie for my e-arc!
I’ve been a die hard Drowned Empire fan from Day 1 with Daughter. I talk people’s ear off at how criminally underhyped this series is in the Romantasy world and will continue to do so after reading Traitor.
I loved the separate character POVs in this book. Having a good orchestra of characters really does make a huge difference to such a big series and every character is interesting, well crafted and has depth.
The first 30% of this book didn’t click with me. Lyr was borderline insufferable, which was a real disappointment as she hasn’t been thus far. Her actions/behaviours for me didn’t seem in line with past books in the series, but as the book progressed, this sentiment ebbed away.
Traitor is much darker and the tone is very different from the rest of the series. Be prepared!!
-1 star for the consistent threat of rape, the on page SA. It was too much for me. I didn’t think I had triggers, and while I appreciate this is the lowest point for our MMCs/FMCs it was unnecessary in my opinion and it detracted from the story.
The cliff hanger in Warrior was gutting and I’m happy it got addressed in this book. The ending of Traitor was SO good. This is why it’s ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me. Frankie knows how to keep us at the edge of our seats. She doesn’t make the journey easy but she does make it worth it.
Looking forward to Book 6!
I’ve been a die hard Drowned Empire fan from Day 1 with Daughter. I talk people’s ear off at how criminally underhyped this series is in the Romantasy world and will continue to do so after reading Traitor.
I loved the separate character POVs in this book. Having a good orchestra of characters really does make a huge difference to such a big series and every character is interesting, well crafted and has depth.
The first 30% of this book didn’t click with me. Lyr was borderline insufferable, which was a real disappointment as she hasn’t been thus far. Her actions/behaviours for me didn’t seem in line with past books in the series, but as the book progressed, this sentiment ebbed away.
Traitor is much darker and the tone is very different from the rest of the series. Be prepared!!
-1 star for the consistent threat of rape, the on page SA. It was too much for me. I didn’t think I had triggers, and while I appreciate this is the lowest point for our MMCs/FMCs it was unnecessary in my opinion and it detracted from the story.
The cliff hanger in Warrior was gutting and I’m happy it got addressed in this book. The ending of Traitor was SO good. This is why it’s ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me. Frankie knows how to keep us at the edge of our seats. She doesn’t make the journey easy but she does make it worth it.
Looking forward to Book 6!
November 25, 2025
Aghhh every time I get to visit this world I love it even more!!!! Going into this one I wasn’t sure where the story was going to go and Frankie did not disappoint!! The cliff at the end of this one makes me hungry for more (but in a much more positive way than the void I screamed into last book lololol) I absolutely lovedddd seeing the Afeyan lands in this book and learning more about all the history we didn’t know it was SO cool. The character growth, the way they are processing trauma together and out loud and showing emotions is so beautiful, and I am so excited to see where this story goes!!!
December 9, 2025
How my heart was hurting so much this whole books. I needed to take so many break just to survive. But I wouldn’t have wished it any other way.
I love this world so much. It’s lush and beautiful and draws you in. Being back with Rhyan and crew was everything.
I’ll be here with my tissues and chocolates waiting for the HEA, hopefully!
I love this world so much. It’s lush and beautiful and draws you in. Being back with Rhyan and crew was everything.
I’ll be here with my tissues and chocolates waiting for the HEA, hopefully!
November 30, 2025
***First off, thank you to the Author for the advanced copy of this book!! This is my honest and unprompted (non-spoiler) review.***
You know those books, those series, the ones that you simply can not get enough of?
The Drowned Empire is like that for me.
I was so excited to reenter this incredible world, and to reconnect with these amazing characters. I couldn't wait to see what Frankie had in store for us (yes, even the emotional damage she's known for, lol).
She did not disappoint.
From the expanded world, to the introduction of new characters (some you'll want to protect at all costs, some you'll want to yeet a cast iron frying pan at), to the jaw-dropping plot twists, Frankie has given us yet another layer of her incredible storytelling.
The rollercoaster my opinions of certain characters went on as new information was teased was top tier. And the literary chess move of taking one of my favorite lines from earlier in the series and twisting it into something tortured and heartrending was unmatched.
These beloved characters fought even harder this time around, protected even more fiercely, mourned even deeper, and loved even stronger.
Whether you're new to this series, or you've already welcomed it into your heart, this installment is NOT to be missed!!
You know those books, those series, the ones that you simply can not get enough of?
The Drowned Empire is like that for me.
I was so excited to reenter this incredible world, and to reconnect with these amazing characters. I couldn't wait to see what Frankie had in store for us (yes, even the emotional damage she's known for, lol).
She did not disappoint.
From the expanded world, to the introduction of new characters (some you'll want to protect at all costs, some you'll want to yeet a cast iron frying pan at), to the jaw-dropping plot twists, Frankie has given us yet another layer of her incredible storytelling.
The rollercoaster my opinions of certain characters went on as new information was teased was top tier. And the literary chess move of taking one of my favorite lines from earlier in the series and twisting it into something tortured and heartrending was unmatched.
These beloved characters fought even harder this time around, protected even more fiercely, mourned even deeper, and loved even stronger.
Whether you're new to this series, or you've already welcomed it into your heart, this installment is NOT to be missed!!
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December 7, 2025Felt like I read two different books. Book 1 w/Auriel; book two with Rhyan. A lot of this book was predictable being a fantasy book reader. While I’m still enjoying the series, I feel as though its ability to pull me in and keep me on the edge of my seat is waning.
December 7, 2025
This series is so criminally underrated and I will be yelling at everyone to read it for the foreseeable future!! This is such a unique world with insane politics, deep relationships, plot twists, and a delicious slow burn. It’s basically everything I want in a romantic fantasy. I already can’t wait for the next book, but at least there’s not an insane cliffhanger like there was for the last book lol
December 14, 2025
Emotional roller coaster and it was perfect. All the feels. So. Much. Trauma.
December 2, 2025
I think the main goal of this book was to rip my heart out and stomp at it over and over and over again. If that wasn’t the goal, then it really should’ve been because that’s exactly what happened to me while reading this book.
Lyr is so strong. I genuinely don’t know how she finds the motivation to get up in the morning. If I were in her shoes, there’s no way I would be carrying on like she is. Her character growth in this book while her heart is bleeding is incredible. I have loved Lyr this entire series, but this book especially made me wish I could take all of her pain away.
What do you mean I don’t hate Tristan anymore? I didn’t like this man at any point in the series, and now you’re telling me that I don’t hate him? Ridiculous. Genuinely made me question all of my thoughts about him up until this point.
Rhyan my darling you destroyed me. You are the reason this book hurt so much.
Thank you very much to Frankie Diane Mallis for an arc of this book!
Lyr is so strong. I genuinely don’t know how she finds the motivation to get up in the morning. If I were in her shoes, there’s no way I would be carrying on like she is. Her character growth in this book while her heart is bleeding is incredible. I have loved Lyr this entire series, but this book especially made me wish I could take all of her pain away.
What do you mean I don’t hate Tristan anymore? I didn’t like this man at any point in the series, and now you’re telling me that I don’t hate him? Ridiculous. Genuinely made me question all of my thoughts about him up until this point.
Rhyan my darling you destroyed me. You are the reason this book hurt so much.
Thank you very much to Frankie Diane Mallis for an arc of this book!
December 2, 2025
I am so happy that I was part of the ARC team for this book!
Traitor started off right where Warrior ended -- thank goodness, because that ending was devastating!
The book was fast paced and easy to get into, with the plot moving along relatively quickly and lots of twists and turns. However, I feel like there were some points that were a little long or drawn out that could have been shortened in favor of other plot points. The world building in this series is incredible and I'm able to picture exactly what is happening.
I enjoyed the changing points of view. I love being able to see what other characters are up to while the main characters are off adventuring. I am interested to see where Frankie takes this series next, as the ending was pretty open.
Now to count down the days until the next book!
Traitor started off right where Warrior ended -- thank goodness, because that ending was devastating!
The book was fast paced and easy to get into, with the plot moving along relatively quickly and lots of twists and turns. However, I feel like there were some points that were a little long or drawn out that could have been shortened in favor of other plot points. The world building in this series is incredible and I'm able to picture exactly what is happening.
I enjoyed the changing points of view. I love being able to see what other characters are up to while the main characters are off adventuring. I am interested to see where Frankie takes this series next, as the ending was pretty open.
Now to count down the days until the next book!
November 30, 2025
Thank you so much Frankie for the ARC! I can't believe we are already 5 books into this series that I just discovered earlier this year.
Since we are now over the halfway point in the series at book 5, I am truly enjoying how the story is playing out. With this read, I could feel the immediate shift in the tone in the book. It's darker and tenser than any other romantasy series I have read. I love how involved politics are tied into the world. Compared to all the previous books, we get POVs from so many major characters (even the antagonist) that it makes reading it feel intense. There is on page SA and just so much trauma that each individual character is facing. The writing was done so well and I typically can binge read but I had to take many breaks for this read just due to how heavy it was.
This was more of an emotional read but there were scenes that were redundant that did make the first third of the book drag a bit. We know Lyr is going through it right now but those early POV chapters from her felt repetitive. It was always her arguing, getting injured, falls asleep due to exhaustion, is upset that she fell asleep, repeat.
Another aspect is the reincarnation. I feel like when lifetimes overlap with reincarnated characters, it is difficult to write. It was done so incredibly well in this book and honestly, throughout the series.
I adore this series so much and I can't wait to see what the next two books will bring!
Since we are now over the halfway point in the series at book 5, I am truly enjoying how the story is playing out. With this read, I could feel the immediate shift in the tone in the book. It's darker and tenser than any other romantasy series I have read. I love how involved politics are tied into the world. Compared to all the previous books, we get POVs from so many major characters (even the antagonist) that it makes reading it feel intense. There is on page SA and just so much trauma that each individual character is facing. The writing was done so well and I typically can binge read but I had to take many breaks for this read just due to how heavy it was.
This was more of an emotional read but there were scenes that were redundant that did make the first third of the book drag a bit. We know Lyr is going through it right now but those early POV chapters from her felt repetitive. It was always her arguing, getting injured, falls asleep due to exhaustion, is upset that she fell asleep, repeat.
Another aspect is the reincarnation. I feel like when lifetimes overlap with reincarnated characters, it is difficult to write. It was done so incredibly well in this book and honestly, throughout the series.
I adore this series so much and I can't wait to see what the next two books will bring!
December 4, 2025
Outstanding. Frankie’s books always manage to be heart wrenching and heartwarming simultaneously. Frankie I am beefing with you a little though because my man Rhyans soul is so pure and he doesn’t deserve any of this. The world building in these books is so phenomenal and extremely intriguing. Going into the book, I had major anxiety from how warrior left off. As I continued to read, I was sitting on the edge of my seat and had to take breaks to pace around my room. All of the plot twists and character development in this book have me taking awhile to process my emotions & thoughts. Romance is top tier, I could rave about this book forever. All the stars for Traitor of the drowned empire, this fantasy world, the romance and all the characters. I will be anxiously waiting to be reunited with these characters.
December 11, 2025
I’ll never stop loving this series.
Frankie is a mastermind at getting her readers to feel everything. I’m as invested as ever in these characters. The lead up to this book pays off in a huge way and I’m so excited for more readers to discover this series and take the journey along with us.
Thank you to the author for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Frankie is a mastermind at getting her readers to feel everything. I’m as invested as ever in these characters. The lead up to this book pays off in a huge way and I’m so excited for more readers to discover this series and take the journey along with us.
Thank you to the author for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
November 19, 2025
Rating: 5/5*
Traitor of the Drowned Empire begins with devastation and does not stop in the best possible way. The entire plot was gorgeously unpredictable and engaging.
To avoid spoilers, I think it suffices to say that the angst and yearning of Lyr's journey back to Rhyan made for excellent trauma reading. Nevertheless, it is important to note that this book is all pain with the faintest spark of joy. If you are a mood reader, please consider the devastation in advance.
This is the best romantasy book I have recently consumed. I strongly recommend considering this series for emotional devastation.
Traitor of the Drowned Empire begins with devastation and does not stop in the best possible way. The entire plot was gorgeously unpredictable and engaging.
To avoid spoilers, I think it suffices to say that the angst and yearning of Lyr's journey back to Rhyan made for excellent trauma reading. Nevertheless, it is important to note that this book is all pain with the faintest spark of joy. If you are a mood reader, please consider the devastation in advance.
This is the best romantasy book I have recently consumed. I strongly recommend considering this series for emotional devastation.
December 4, 2025
Traitor of the Drowned Empire by Frankie Diane Mallis is a sequel that I have been dying for from the moment I finished the last book. So when I say I was feral to get my hands on this I mean it. And it was somehow so much more than I had expected in the most satisfying way.
I was riveted from literally the first page of this book. I did not want to stop reading at any point and was so invested in every moment of the story. I looked down at my progress at one point and was shocked by how far along I was because I did not think I could have read that much already and dreaded how much closer to the end it meant I was because I did not want Traitor to come to a close. It’s a true testament to the power of a book when the pages fly by so quickly that you don’t even notice your progress in it. And this is a chunky book.
The last book ended on a heck of a cliffhanger and Traitor of the Drowned Empire picks up right where it left off, which is a place of high turmoil and some devastating information to deal with.
I was actually so shocked by how much I ended up loving the pairing of Auriel and Lyr as they navigate their difficult circumstances together and Lyr fights against the reality of who he is at every step because of her loyalty to Rhyan. But getting the first hand knowledge from Auriel himself and not just the bits and pieces Rhyan has been able to remember of his life was actually so compelling to the story and their prior lives. And I truly loved how the two of them learned to interact with one another particularly as each other’s presence was such a source of conflict to their thoughts and feelings as far as their separate but parallel existences. (Sorry to be somewhat obscure and not entirely coherent here, I’m trying really hard not to give spoilers for anyone no in the know).
I also really enjoyed getting to see some firsthand experience of the rebellion taking place against those who have taken over Bamaria from Lyr’s father (and subsequently sisters) not entirely legitimately. Having Lyr get to actually be amongst them and see that her family hasn’t entirely been abandoned and is still supported was really great, particularly with their ties to Rhyan.
Traitor of the Drowned Empire was a wild ride from start to finish, and had me emotional more than once to boot. I definitely missed Rhyan’s presence throughout this book, an absence made of obvious reasons I won’t go into but having Auriel around did help bridge the lack of Rhyan more than I would have thought possible. He really grew on me and very quickly.
The ending once again has left me wishing I had the next book in my hands immediately, but I will be patient (mostly) while I wait eagerly. Whereas the last book had an ending filled with agony and so much left up in the air that it was one heck of a cliffhanger, this ending was much more satisfying. There were some answers, some resolutions, and so much satisfaction from events that took place. I cannot get enough of this series and never want it to end while knowing it must and probably soon. Needless to say this is one of my top reads of the year and this series continues to steal my heart.
I was riveted from literally the first page of this book. I did not want to stop reading at any point and was so invested in every moment of the story. I looked down at my progress at one point and was shocked by how far along I was because I did not think I could have read that much already and dreaded how much closer to the end it meant I was because I did not want Traitor to come to a close. It’s a true testament to the power of a book when the pages fly by so quickly that you don’t even notice your progress in it. And this is a chunky book.
The last book ended on a heck of a cliffhanger and Traitor of the Drowned Empire picks up right where it left off, which is a place of high turmoil and some devastating information to deal with.
I was actually so shocked by how much I ended up loving the pairing of Auriel and Lyr as they navigate their difficult circumstances together and Lyr fights against the reality of who he is at every step because of her loyalty to Rhyan. But getting the first hand knowledge from Auriel himself and not just the bits and pieces Rhyan has been able to remember of his life was actually so compelling to the story and their prior lives. And I truly loved how the two of them learned to interact with one another particularly as each other’s presence was such a source of conflict to their thoughts and feelings as far as their separate but parallel existences. (Sorry to be somewhat obscure and not entirely coherent here, I’m trying really hard not to give spoilers for anyone no in the know).
I also really enjoyed getting to see some firsthand experience of the rebellion taking place against those who have taken over Bamaria from Lyr’s father (and subsequently sisters) not entirely legitimately. Having Lyr get to actually be amongst them and see that her family hasn’t entirely been abandoned and is still supported was really great, particularly with their ties to Rhyan.
Traitor of the Drowned Empire was a wild ride from start to finish, and had me emotional more than once to boot. I definitely missed Rhyan’s presence throughout this book, an absence made of obvious reasons I won’t go into but having Auriel around did help bridge the lack of Rhyan more than I would have thought possible. He really grew on me and very quickly.
The ending once again has left me wishing I had the next book in my hands immediately, but I will be patient (mostly) while I wait eagerly. Whereas the last book had an ending filled with agony and so much left up in the air that it was one heck of a cliffhanger, this ending was much more satisfying. There were some answers, some resolutions, and so much satisfaction from events that took place. I cannot get enough of this series and never want it to end while knowing it must and probably soon. Needless to say this is one of my top reads of the year and this series continues to steal my heart.
December 2, 2025
Do you trust me?" he asked. "I don't know." "Good enough."
FRANKIE. Folx, she has done it again. Knocked it out of the park, blown my mind, added to my Roman Empire series that I think about nearly daily.
Traitor of the Drowned Empire
This is the 5th book in the author's Drowned Empire series that started with Daughter of the Drowned Empire. There are also 2 books that are novellas that fit into this world, must reads.
In a universe where there is magic, not all magic is allowed. And some love is just allowed to be. And ruling it all, a complex system of Arkasva and Arkturion, the game of politics and wit is unmatched. And to learn the game is the only way to survive, and to escape. And Lyra is a woman who was never meant to escape her role.
Since I found Frankie, and binged read all her novels and novellas within a month, her series has been my Roman Empire. I think about it daily. I do try to convince anyone I know to read these instantly. It is a mix of Cleopatra, Political Intrigue, and Fallen Gods, and they connect in the most stunning way.
Frankie is a genius. Although her books have parts that hurt so badly that you fear she took your soul, she sprinkles in levity when the reader simply couldn't be pushed further into the dark. It is so very clear how much Frankie loves and understands each of the players in her world.
One of the pieces that is sitting with me after finishing this book is that although we are 5 books into the storyline, there are still places that are unexpected and, frankly, shocking. That seems like it would be challenging to accomplish when we are so far into the plot, but the reader is constantly reminded there is more to learn. And Frankie brings in new characters that we've never met in a way that we instantly connect so intensely with them and never want them to leave. Frankie is truly a master at her art.
This is in no way the conclusion to this series, and I am certain there is more to come. And I am on the edge of my seat waiting to know when we will get another way to look into our realms and be with Lyra and Rhyan and the crew once again. But for now, I will just continue to convince everyone to go read it. If you are leaving this review unsure if you should try the series, just do it. There's something for everyone.
If it wasn't clear, overall, this is a 5 out of 5 star read, and I will be encouraging everyone I know to pick this up ASAP.
FRANKIE. Folx, she has done it again. Knocked it out of the park, blown my mind, added to my Roman Empire series that I think about nearly daily.
Traitor of the Drowned Empire
This is the 5th book in the author's Drowned Empire series that started with Daughter of the Drowned Empire. There are also 2 books that are novellas that fit into this world, must reads.
In a universe where there is magic, not all magic is allowed. And some love is just allowed to be. And ruling it all, a complex system of Arkasva and Arkturion, the game of politics and wit is unmatched. And to learn the game is the only way to survive, and to escape. And Lyra is a woman who was never meant to escape her role.
Since I found Frankie, and binged read all her novels and novellas within a month, her series has been my Roman Empire. I think about it daily. I do try to convince anyone I know to read these instantly. It is a mix of Cleopatra, Political Intrigue, and Fallen Gods, and they connect in the most stunning way.
Frankie is a genius. Although her books have parts that hurt so badly that you fear she took your soul, she sprinkles in levity when the reader simply couldn't be pushed further into the dark. It is so very clear how much Frankie loves and understands each of the players in her world.
One of the pieces that is sitting with me after finishing this book is that although we are 5 books into the storyline, there are still places that are unexpected and, frankly, shocking. That seems like it would be challenging to accomplish when we are so far into the plot, but the reader is constantly reminded there is more to learn. And Frankie brings in new characters that we've never met in a way that we instantly connect so intensely with them and never want them to leave. Frankie is truly a master at her art.
This is in no way the conclusion to this series, and I am certain there is more to come. And I am on the edge of my seat waiting to know when we will get another way to look into our realms and be with Lyra and Rhyan and the crew once again. But for now, I will just continue to convince everyone to go read it. If you are leaving this review unsure if you should try the series, just do it. There's something for everyone.
If it wasn't clear, overall, this is a 5 out of 5 star read, and I will be encouraging everyone I know to pick this up ASAP.
November 28, 2025
WOW!!! I read this in one sitting. You want a book that will put your emotions through the wringer? Look no further. The level of hopelessness, despair, hurt, anguish was so deep. Ryan, Auriel, Jules and even Tristan had my heart in knots. This book was a bit darker than the rest but rightfully so, at the end of Warrior of the Drowned Empire we know that Rhyan was turned into an Akadim but in this book we finally relive his moments before Lyr arrives to try to save him. My boy can't catch a break.
The flashbacks in this story were gut wrenching. Rhyan's flashback of his last moments before becoming an Akadim, Jules's flashbacks about the relentless torture and abuse she suffered while in captivity for 2 years. Auriel is a God in a world he is trying to understand and being around Lyriana causes him so much pain because she is Asherah his reincarnated soulmate, but she doesn't belong to him she belongs to Rhyan. Tristan, Tristan, Tristan; my how the mighty has fallen. For years he captured and arrested those who are vorakh only to realize that he is one as well. Tristan's pain in my opinion is the worst because he has lost so much, he now realizes his grandmother really doesn't care about him and he feels immense guilt over all of the people he has captured over the years. Tristan's vision has revealed a mystery about who he is and he is not prepared for all that entails. Tristan needs a lifeline because he is breaking daily and as of now the only person at his side is Naria. I didn't like Naria originally, but I do understand why she does what she's doing. I just hope she turns out to be a try ally and can hopefully mend her relationship with her cousins: Lyriana, Meera and Morgan.
Finally, things are teetering at a precipice and Lyriana is now in a position where she holds all the cards. There are many battles to face and many enemies on different sides of the war. It will take everything in Lyriana's arsenal to face what's ahead. She will need allies, an army, her magic and Rhyan fighting by her side if she has any chance of reclaiming her crown and protecting her kingdom.
I cannot wait for the next book. Thank you, Frankie Diane Mallis, for the gifted eARC. I will be adding a physical copy to my library.
The flashbacks in this story were gut wrenching. Rhyan's flashback of his last moments before becoming an Akadim, Jules's flashbacks about the relentless torture and abuse she suffered while in captivity for 2 years. Auriel is a God in a world he is trying to understand and being around Lyriana causes him so much pain because she is Asherah his reincarnated soulmate, but she doesn't belong to him she belongs to Rhyan. Tristan, Tristan, Tristan; my how the mighty has fallen. For years he captured and arrested those who are vorakh only to realize that he is one as well. Tristan's pain in my opinion is the worst because he has lost so much, he now realizes his grandmother really doesn't care about him and he feels immense guilt over all of the people he has captured over the years. Tristan's vision has revealed a mystery about who he is and he is not prepared for all that entails. Tristan needs a lifeline because he is breaking daily and as of now the only person at his side is Naria. I didn't like Naria originally, but I do understand why she does what she's doing. I just hope she turns out to be a try ally and can hopefully mend her relationship with her cousins: Lyriana, Meera and Morgan.
Finally, things are teetering at a precipice and Lyriana is now in a position where she holds all the cards. There are many battles to face and many enemies on different sides of the war. It will take everything in Lyriana's arsenal to face what's ahead. She will need allies, an army, her magic and Rhyan fighting by her side if she has any chance of reclaiming her crown and protecting her kingdom.
I cannot wait for the next book. Thank you, Frankie Diane Mallis, for the gifted eARC. I will be adding a physical copy to my library.
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